Status Update: Zero Emission Supply Chain
In close collaboration with Equinor and Neptune, Ocean Hyway Cluster has since March 2022 been working on a project called Zero Emission Supply Chain. In this project it has been assessed how value chains passing through Fjord Base in Florø could be decarbonized with new technologies.
The assessment included estimation of carbon footprints and an overall mapping of the flow of goods and activities to, from and at Fjord Base as a base case, as well as the different suppliers involved; Everything from land-based activities to offshore vessel operations was investigated, see figure 1. Hot spots of emissions were unveiled and opportunities for reduction through both energy efficiency measures and innovative technological solutions were explored.
Figure 1 - The value chain in the ZESC-project. Illustration: Ocean Hyway Cluster/Maria Hunvik
Technologies for emission reduction
Energy efficiency measures ranged from low-hanging fruit options within warehouse operations, to more innovative technologies. Technological solutions explored ranged from electrification, transition to alternative fuels, local energy production, improvement of hydrodynamic performance, alternation of vessel propulsion systems and so on.
Findings in the project
The main findings of the assessment support the overall trend in the sector; we cannot reach zero emissions without alternative fuels, and a mixed approach by combining energy efficiency and cleaner energy is a necessity. On land, zero-emission is achievable with today’s technologies like electric trucks, cranes and forklifts, as well as implementing general energy efficiency measures in buildings, combined with local and smart energy production, to get the most out of an integrated system. Such a system can help realize the viability of electrification of tools and machinery. Regarding the vessel activities it is more challenging to reach zero emission since the relevant alternative fuels do not have fully developed value chains and infrastructure. On the other hand, there are many emission cutting technologies available on the market for vessels, but these technologies are only able to reduce the emissions to a certain percentage. Nevertheless, we do consider these emission cutting technologies as an important step in the journey of achieving a zero-emission supply chain since they can be installed on today’s offshore fleet.
Figure 2 – Scope of project. Illustration: Ocean Hyway Cluster/Maria Hunvik
Further work
Ocean Hyway Cluster will continue the dialogue with the suppliers on Fjord Base in close collaboration with Equinor and Neptune. Different technologies for emission cutting presented in the project will further be assessed.
